DAILY EXPRESS NEWS, September 10, 2006
Realistic goals and action plans must be formulated to ensure the sustainable development and conservation of wetlands in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat.
Chong, who is also Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said there was a great need to have an integrated approach and effort in managing these areas involving all stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, NGOs and local communities.
"I believe this integrated approach will not only help minimise negative environmental impacts of development programmes but also prevent unsustainable activities," he said.
However, in order to enable the stakeholders work as partners as well as develop smart partnerships in new and different ways, especially in the planning, organisation and implementation, realistic goals and actions are needed, he said.
Towards this end, Chong believed the establishment of the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS) was appropriate and timely as another important strategy to strengthen the institutional framework to enhance environmental conservation and protection efforts in Sabah.
